From ENS: Anglican women respond with joy to Jefferts Schori's election

We note with pleasure this press release from the Episcopal News Service (dated August 24, 2006):

Anglican women respond with joy to Jefferts Schori's election
Equal representation upheld as essential in decision-making processes
By Matthew Davies

[ENS] More than two months after the historic election of the Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori as 26th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, congratulatory letters and messages of joy continue to flow, in particular from fellow Anglican women committed to gender equity and a world equally represented by men and women in its decision-making processes at all levels.

On behalf of the International Anglican Women's Network (IAWN), coordinator Priscilla Julie from the Diocese of the Seychelles in the Province of the Indian Ocean said, "We rejoice with so many others and congratulate you on this great achievement."

Describing the election as God's will, Julie noted that the timing is right, especially "when we need to heal the rift within the Anglican Communion worldwide," she said. "I strongly believe that, as a woman, your Grace will be instrumental in healing the wounds..."

Many other statements and reactions worldwide are reported in the full story, available here.